# Ironic Ad-Free Commercials Hulu Promotes Its New Ad-Free Service with Ads By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-09-17 | Updated 2015-09-23 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulu References: [adweek](http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/hulu-made-some-perfectly-pretzel-commercials-commercial-free-viewing-166976) & [youtu.be](https://youtu.be/OnvG7KR334A) Streaming network [Hulu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-tvs-new-campaign) is promoting its ad-free service through a seemingly uncharacteristic method -- advertisements. The spot ads are essentially commercials for a non-commercial service. The [clever and humorous ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/its-different-out-here) are all short, entertaining and most importantly, informative. All the ads are self-referential and are a smart way to kick off a new service. The ad features a commercial director who turns the camera on himself to talk to the audience in a rather bleak, apocalyptic setting. Streaming services like Hulu have been chasing [Netflix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-netflix) for online supremacy, and going the ad-free route may be a smart move. One of Netflix's strengths is the lack of commercials and this option from Hulu is only a few dollars more. Perhaps these ads about ad-free services will help give Hulu a boost. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/commercials) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-referential Ads:** The trend of creating self-referential ads can be an opportunity for companies to promote their new products or services in a unique way. - **Ad-free Services:** The trend of offering ad-free services can be an opportunity for companies to attract customers who prefer uninterrupted content. - **Humorous Ads:** The trend of creating humorous ads can be an opportunity for companies to engage with their audience and promote their brand in a memorable way. ### Who This Affects Most - **Streaming Services:** Streaming services can take advantage of the trend of ad-free services by offering this option to customers who prefer uninterrupted content. - **Advertising:** The advertising industry can learn from the trend of creating self-referential and humorous ads to create unique campaigns that engage audiences and promote brands effectively. - **Marketing:** Marketing professionals can learn from the trend of using a seemingly uncharacteristic method, such as ironic ad-free commercials, to promote new products or services effectively. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Live TV Streaming Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-tvs-new-campaign.md) - [Low-Cost Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roku-howdy.md) - [Ad-Supporting Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-netflix.md) - [Nostalgic Long-Form Infomercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-mobile-mintfomercial.md) - [Gen Z Advertising Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tubi-2.md) - [Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-home-campaign.md) - [Dystopian AI Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthropic-super-bowl.md) - [Branded Smart TVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xumo.md) - [Rewarding Ketchup Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinzs-postpost-credits.md)